Discussion Questions

Who or what is The Family Tree?  Is it the family tree of Harold and Emily?  Or is it possibly the family tree of Lincoln Johnson?  Or is it actually a tree?  Remember Emily planted a tree for her children.  If there is one tree standing strong and firm at the end, who does that tree represent?

While you are reading the book, take note of how many chapters reference trees or wood.

There are several instances where the type of wood describes a person.  What kind of tree was Robert?  What about Andrew?  Are these tree symbolic of their lives in any way?

What other ways is symbolism used in the novel?

There are a few items from the past that make it to the present, including the copy of The Great Gatsby.  What are they? 

Pay attention as you read the novel.  There are several instances of foreshadowing.  What were they?

I wrote myself into the novel.  Who do you think I was?